ST. THOMAS S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Transcription

1 ST. THOMAS S EPISCOPAL CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A) Holy Eucharist December 11, :00 A.M. Information for newcomers and visitors is located on the back page of this service bulletin. VOLUNTARY Advent (Winter) Hilary Tann (b. 1947) At the ringing of the bell, please stand. INTROIT Advent Prose Plainsong Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness. You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know me and believe me. I myself am the Lord, and none but I can deliver; what my hand holds, none can snatch away. Text: Introit for the Third Sunday of Advent PROCESSIONAL HYMN Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding Hymn 59 (Merton)

2 OPENING ACCLAMATION Celebrant: Celebrant and People Blessed are you, holy and living One. You come to your people and set them free. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. KYRIE ELEISON (sung by the choir) Missa Brevis G.P. da Palestrina (c ) Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. THE SALUTATION AND COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant: Celebrant: God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. All are seated. THE FIRST LESSON ISAIAH 35:1-10 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; 2

3 like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God. PSALM 146:4-9 (sung by the choir) 4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! * whose hope is in the Lord their God; 3 Lauda, anima mea

4 5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; * who keeps his promise for ever; 6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, * and food to those who hunger. 7 The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; * the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; 8 The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; * he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. 9 The Lord shall reign for ever, * your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! THE SECOND LESSON JAMES 5:7-10 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Reader: All stand. SEQUENCE HYMN Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God. Thy kingdom come! on bended knee Hymn 615 (St. Flavian) 4

5 THE GOSPEL MATTHEW 11:2-11 Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another? Jesus answered them, Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. When Sunday School is offered, the students follow the children s processional cross up the aisle, and then their teachers bring them to their classrooms. At the preacher s invitation, all are seated. THE SERMON After the Sermon, there follows a short period of silent reflection. Then all stand. THE NICENE CREED Celebrant and People We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary 5

6 and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. who has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Priest O Wisdom from on high, Holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. In this Advent season of anticipation and longing, we pray to you, saying, O come, O come, Emmanuel. Intercessor Inspire and strengthen your universal church. Help your ministers, lay and ordained, carry the Good News of salvation to all who await the signs of your coming. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Lend your wisdom and compassion to those in authority around the world. Help them lead those held captive by injustice and conflict, into the freedom of justice and peace. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Inspire all people to be grateful occupants and faithful keepers of your wondrous creation. Help us protect and preserve the earth, its lands and waters, and all its inhabitants. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Uphold and guide the people and ministries of St. Thomas s Church. Help us listen closely to you, and follow where you lead. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Comfort those who are grieving, lonely, or depressed this holiday season. Help them find peace, joy, hope, and love. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Sustain those troubled by sickness, poverty, or violence. Help them overcome adversity, so that they may be renewed. O come, O come, Emmanuel. 6

7 Bring into your glorious presence those who have died. Help all people find risen life in you. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Hear our additional prayers of thanksgiving and intercession, which we now offer either silently or aloud. Celebrant O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, come and shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; Emmanuel, God with us, come and save us, O Lord our God. Amen. THE CONFESSION Priest Let us confess our sins to God. Silence is kept. Priest and People God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen. Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. THE PEACE Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you. And also with you. The People greet one another with a sign of peace, and then are seated for brief announcements. If the children have been in Sunday School, they return at this time. After the announcements, the People remain seated for the Offertory Anthem, during which the collection is taken. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Magnificat in G C. V. Stanford ( ) My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden. 7

8 For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. Text: The Song of Mary (BCP 1662) During the singing of the Offertory Hymn, the Ushers carry the gifts forward. The People follow and encircle the altar. You are encouraged to position children where they can see. Small children may sit with a caregiver on the floor in front of the altar. Standing time is approximately 15 minutes. If you are unable to stand, you may sit in one of the chairs arranged near the altar, move to the front row of pews, or remain where you are. OFFERTORY HYMN Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord Hymn 438 (Woodlands) 8

9 Celebrant: Celebrant: Celebrant: Celebrant THE HOLY COMMUNION THE GREAT THANKSGIVING: ENRICHING OUR WORSHIP 2 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing: SANCTUS AND BENEDICTUS WLP 851 9

10 Celebrant Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. 10

11 In the fullness of time bring us, with Thomas and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say: THE LORD S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept. FRACTION ANTHEM WLP 867 Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. [Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.] All are invited to receive Holy Communion at God s table in this church. Please proceed to the most conveniently located station to receive communion, and then return to your seat via a side aisle. Gluten-free bread is available at any station. Non-alcoholic wine is available from the server at the center of the altar. To receive a blessing instead of communion, approach the priest with your arms crossed over your chest. COMMUNION ANTHEM A New Song James MacMillan (b. 1959) O sing unto the Lord a new song, sing unto the Lord all the whole earth. Sing unto the Lord and praise his Name, 11

12 be telling of his salvation from day to day. For he cometh to judge the earth, and with righteousness to judge the world and the people with his truth. Text: Psalm 96:1-2, 13 After all have received communion, the people remain seated for a period of silence. Then all stand. THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Celebrant Let us pray. Celebrant and People Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. SENDING FORTH A EUCHARISTIC VISITOR This prayer is said when a Eucharistic Visitor will take communion to an ill or homebound parishioner. The Eucharistic Visitor joins the Celebrant in front of the altar. Celebrant and People We send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ s body and blood. We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread and one cup. Go in peace. THE BLESSING May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen. May Christ, whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen. May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at the second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. 12

13 FINAL HYMN Come, thou long-expected Jesus Hymn 66 (Stuttgart) DISMISSAL Priest: [A priest dismisses the people.] Thanks be to God. VOLUNTARY Fugue on the Magnificat, BWV 733 J. S. Bach ( ) Unless otherwise indicated, all printed music and anthem texts are used by permission. Reprinted under CCLI License # All rights reserved. Christmas at St. Thomas s Church All Are Welcome! Please come, and invite a friend Christmas Eve: Saturday, December 24 4:00 P.M. Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist 3:30 P.M. Musical Prelude 10:00 P.M. Holy Eucharist with St. Thomas s Choir 9:30 P.M. Prelude of Organ Music for Christmas Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25 10:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist and Pajama Social 13

14 Announcements For more news and information, subscribe to our weekly Enews using the button on our home page. Sunday School today and next Sunday is focused on Christmas Pageant preparation. Please try to bring your children both Sundays and Christmas Eve! Today: Collections for Martha s Place. Sunday School children will collect items that cannot be purchased with SNAP for families living at Martha's Place (transitional housing for women and their children part of New Reach, Please donate personal items (full-size bars of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoos, Aveeno for dry skin) and household cleaning supplies (dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, Lysol, packaged paper towels, toilet paper, sponges, kitchen floor cleaner). The children will supply collection bins. Today: Alternative Giving for Christmas. Please consider supporting organizations such as Loaves & Fishes, the St. Thomas s Day School Scholarship Fund, Episcopal Relief & Development, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Info about these organizations is available online. You can give using St. Thomas s using the DONATE button on our website home page. Look for information during Coffee Hour today and next Sunday. Stewardship Note: Please Read! A clarification about automatic giving: IF YOU SET UP AUTOMATIC GIVING USING OUR CARD PAYMENT SERVICE OR FROM YOUR BANK, YOU MUST STILL SUBMIT A PLEDGE FORM. When we receive an automatic payment, we have no way of knowing that it will repeat. Therefore, please also submit a Pledge Form, which you can find at the church doors or by contacting the Church Office at (203) or stchurch02@snet.net. A hearty word of thanks to all who have already participated in the campaign. Book Club. We had our second meeting Thursday, and will resume meeting on January 4. We will still be reading poet Mary Oliver's Upstream: Selected Essays. Please Denise Terry (terry.df@gmail.com) for more information. Christmas Flowers Offerings. Please consider donating to the Christmas Flower Fund! Besides the importance of flowers to our beautiful Christmas celebration, you can make a gift in honor or memory of someone important to you. Giving envelopes are in the pews; you can also donate via the DONATE button on the St. Thomas's website, or by simply scanning the QR code on an "I give electronically" chit in the pew rack. Please submit all donations by Sunday, December 18. Christmas Decorating! Everyone s invited to help Green the Church immediately after worship on Sunday, December 18th. This is a fun multi-generation activity during which decorators will get pizza. Please bring greens - any length - and clippers. A carload of greens and some clippers will be provided. Call Sally Edwards ( ) with questions. Thanks to Joseph s Tree Farm (208 Kirk Road, Hamden) for donating greens. Christmas Incense. Note that incense will be used at the 10 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. Coffee Hour Hosting: Trial Self-Signup System. In an effort to make it easier for Coffee Hour Hosts, we are doing a test-run of an online self-sign-up system. You can find the link in Wednesday s Enews, or you can sign up by calling the Church Office. Each date has six slots - if you are signing up as a couple, please use two slots. You have until December 18 to sign up, and then we will begin assigning spots. St. Thomas's has great coffee hours, thanks to YOU. If you haven't served as a host but would like to start, please do. You might consider asking an experienced parishioner to team with you. It's really not hard, and your participation will be appreciated by all. Lessons & Carols: THANK YOU! Last Sunday's service of Lessons and Carols for Advent was glorious. Thanks to all who made it possible, especially the St. Thomas's Choir. Day School Christmas Chapel: Friday, December 16, 10 a.m. It s the most lovely Chapel event of the Day School year, filled with musical offerings by the Day School children. Holiday Office Closing. The Church Office will be closed from Friday, December 23, through Sunday, January 1. Regular office hours will resume on January 2. Storm Closings. If St. Thomas s closes due to inclement weather, on any day of the week, word will be spread in three ways: parish-wide , Facebook, and WTNH Channel 8 ( To receive a text alert if the church closes, sign up with WTNH at 14

15 Serving Today Celebrant: The Rev. Keri Aubert Preacher: Robert Laughton Assisting Priest Word: The Rev. Dr. Lynda Z. Tyson Assisting Priest Table: The Rev. Julie Kelsey Organist and Choirmaster: Simon Jacobs Emcee: Dorothy Asch Eucharistic Minister: Robert Laughton Crucifer: Ricardo Chavira Torchbearers: Michael Dunlap, Chris Martinez Lectors: Constance Cahill, Diane Schultz Intercessor: Claire Scully Sacristans: Jennifer & Michael Fournier Ushers/Greeters: Bill & Sally Nanfeldt Coffee Hour Hosts: Joan Hogan & Diane Robertson, Chandler Riker, Kevin Johnson, Joann Sweasy Prayer Intentions Pray for those in any need or trouble, including: Bill M., Bill R., Bob, Bob H., Constance, Coral, Jane, Jeannie, Jonathan, Lee, Marilyn, Meg, Paul, Phil, Suzanne, Timothy In St. Thomas s Cycle of Prayer, pray for: Paul Fanto, Carolyn Brunelle, Sara Misgen Pray for those who have died. In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, pray for: St. Stephen's, Bloomfield; St. George's, Bolton; Trinity, Branford; those who advocate at the local, state, national, or global level for the poor, the lonely, and the oppressed Prayer for Social Justice (BCP, p. 823) Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Church Leadership The Rev. Keri Aubert Priest-in-Charge Simon Jacobs Director of Music and Organist Julie Kelly Administrator, Parish and Property Officers and Vestry Ricardo Chavira (Senior Warden) Mark Branch (Junior Warden) Alexander Scherer (Treasurer) Sarah Insley-Say (Clerk) Dorothy Asch (Deanery Representative) Anne Harrison (Assistant Treasurer) Laura Bower-Phipps Michael Fournier Daniel Harrison Jennifer Herdt The Rev. Julie Kelsey Chris Martinez Erika Nemeti Jennifer Regan Christopher Ritacco Associate Priests The Rev. Dexter Cheney The Rev. Jakki Flanagan The Rev. Julie Kelsey The Rev. Bill Loutrel The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp The Rev. Lee McGee Street The Rev. Dr. Parke Street The Rev. Dr. Lynda Z. Tyson Ministry Coordinators Dr. Dorothy Asch Volunteer Lay Assistant Jennifer Ricker Children and Youth Ministries Day School Leadership Gina Panza Head of School Eric Gregory Snow Chaplain Board of Managers Gina Panza Head of School The Rev. Keri Aubert President, Day School Corp. Jennifer McTiernan (Chair & Parish Rep) Jonathan Macey (Vice-Chair & PTO Rep) Tracey Meares (Treasurer & Member of the Parish) Gina Criscuolo (Secretary & PTO Rep) Mark Branch (Warden Rep) Frank Chang (Community Rep) The Rev. K. Dexter Cheney (Parish Rep) Lois DeLise (Community Rep) Don Edwards (Parish Rep) John Forrest (Alumni Rep) Michael Fournier (Vestry Rep) Greg Mokotoff (PTO Rep) Kenneth Paul (Community Rep) Kathryn Scherer (Parish Rep) 15

16 ST. THOMAS S EPISCOPAL CHURCH & DAY SCHOOL 830 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT Church Phone: (203) Day School Phone: (203) The Rev. Keri Aubert Priest-in-Charge pastor@stthomasnewhaven.org Simon Jacobs Director of Music and Organist music@stthomasnewhaven.org Julie Kelly Administrator, Parish and Property administrator@stthomasnewhaven.org Gina Panza Head of Day School gpanza@stthomasday.org Eric Gregory Snow Day School Chaplain chaplain@stthomasday.org If you are new or visiting Welcome! Thank you for attending worship at St. Thomas s. Please consider returning the information slip below, signing the guest register near the main entry, and introducing yourself to a clergyperson or usher. After the service, you are invited to join the congregation for Coffee Hour (in the Lounge on the second floor). Families with children: On most Sundays during the school year, Sunday School is offered for children from pre-k through grade 8. All children are invited to attend. On three Sundays a month, Sunday School takes place both before and during the service; on one Sunday a month, it follows the service. On any given Sunday, the bulletin announcements and worship instructions provide additional information. Families with small children: Two seating areas at the front of the church are reserved for families with small children: the area under the array of paper cranes (for children age 3 and under); and the area in front of the left side of the pews (for children age 10 and under). For safety, every child should be accompanied by a caregiver. At St. Thomas s, the people gather around the altar for the celebration of the Eucharist. While this may be unfamiliar to you, most find it to be a powerful experience of true communion. At St. Thomas s, all are invited to receive Holy Communion. There are usually two stations, located at the front corners of the altar, where you may receive Holy Communion. Gluten-free bread is available at both stations. Non-alcoholic wine is available only from the server at the center of the altar. Any difference in orientation will be explained during the announcements. To receive Holy Communion: The server will place the bread in your hands. Wine is sipped from the common cup; please use both hands to guide the chalice to your lips. This is the most sanitary option. Some people intinct (dip the bread into the wine), or receive bread only, or request only a blessing. Additional instructions for communion and for worship more generally are included at appropriate points in the bulletin. Tear along dotted line, and then place in the offering plate or give to a member of the parish... Name Address & Phone How did you hear about St. Thomas s? I would like to: Speak to a clergyperson Receive parish s Have a permanent name tag Explore becoming a member Get involved with 16 Enroll my child(ren) in Sunday School Learn about joining the Adult Choir Enroll my child(ren) in the St. Thomas s Choristers (Junior Choir)